Welcome to 2025. The music I have picked for you, however, was released in 2024, as the first weeks of the year is always a time of year with few new releases. And – there are always albums I missed at the end of the previous year, great albums that need to be listened to. This time I have ended up with, by coincidence, a playlist filled with more relaxed and contemplative music, with a few notable exceptions. Still, this might be the time of year to be a bit reflective and not hurry so much. And if you disagree, I have added Long Tall Sally with The Beatles to just shake you up. I can please everybody all of the time…
If you want to go straight to the list, follow the Short List below. If you miss tracks from previous blog posts, or just want to have access to the most incredible and never ending playlist, click on the The Long List. And if you want to listen to a specic reviewed album and suggested single, click on the title in the review.
The Short List: New Tracks
The Long List: Previous Tracks
New Albums
Canadian Joe Bel is a new discovery for me. This is her second album, very accomplished in my view, and covering a wide range of genres, from pop and indie to folk.
Flying on Abraham – Diane Birch
A wide range of genres also represent Diane Birch, although jazz undertones are everywhere, maybe somewhat related to Carole King, as one reviewer rightly suggested. She has gone under my radar until now, although she started recording as fas back as 2009.
I said there were notable exceptions to melancholy in this month’s playlist, and Peach Pit offer some of that with their energetic and melodic indie music.
Manning Fireworks – MJ Lenderman
MJ Lenderman offers folk- infused rock’n’roll in the proud tradition of Neil Young and other similar guitar-centered artists.
Memoir of a Sparklemuffin – Suki Waterhouse
Suki Waterhouse seems to never stand still, she has a very successful model career behind her, even an acting career, and then she decided to get into music. Makes sense. Now she has released her second album of 18 (!) tracks, an impressive collection of lighthearted pop songs.
My Method Actor – Nilüfer Yanya
I can’t make head or tails of Nilüfer Yanya’s music. Normally I like artists that covers a variety of music, but there is something directionless about this album. Still, I have included a couple of tracks, because I also like to be surprised, and she keeps on surprising me throughout the album. Give it a shot.
And now something completely different. Folk music from Menorca, courtesy of brilliant, expressive singer Anna Ferrer. Meditative, simple and oh- so beautiful. Give that a shot, too.
Vicious Creature – Lauren Mayberry
Lead singer of Chvrches has created an exciting solo album with some memorable pop songs, lots of energy and sophistication.
Jacob Banks – what a voice, and what a performer. I have not seen him live, but I understand he is awesome. This man also knows his beats; Yonder Book is full of it.
It’s Not Me It’s You – Lily Allen
This 2012 album is as much fun today as when it was released. Lily Allen defined cheekiness and girl power, and complacent men full of themselves were the main target. Still, there is also vulnerability in Lily Allen’s lyrics, at least some of the time.
Beatles for Sale – The Beatles
I couldn’t take more of the mid 1970s with Bay City Rollers and the like, so as an experiment I have jumped a further ten years back, introducing my new column «60 Years Ago». And what better than to start with The Beatles and their For Sale album, with a number of songs that are now evergreens, like Eight Days a Week and No Reply. My favourite Beatles period followed this album, starting with Sgt. Pepper, but I just loved their take on classic rock’n’roll like Rock’n’roll Music. Better than the originals. (I couldn’t resist adding Long Tall Sally to the list, my favourite cover by the Beatles ever…)
Music Hunter 